Expert Points out What Kate Middleton Did so She Didn’t Upset King Charles at Trooping the Colour
The big question going into 2024 Trooping the Colour was whether or not the Princess of Wales (formerly known as Kate Middleton) would be able to attend following the revelation that she was receiving “preventive chemotherapy.” Well the day before the ceremony, the princess nearly broke the internet when she announced that she would be there.
“My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months … I’m looking forward to attending the king’s birthday parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer,” Kate wrote on Instagram. “But equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet. I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.”
Of course fans couldn’t wait to see the Princess of Wales at the ceremony. But according body language expert, Kate did something intentional to make sure that all the attention wasn’t completely taken away from King Charles.
Expert says Kate wanted to look ‘subtle’ and ‘discreet’ for a reason
Author and body language expert Judi James said Kate wanted to be careful not to totally take the limelight away from the monarch with her return. Therefore, the princess chose a fascinator with a brim that would help keep her appearance somewhat “discreet.”
James told The Mirror: “Kate’s appearance looked subtle and as low-impact as possible given the nation if not the world has been waiting for this moment to welcome her back. Kate’s hat brim made this first appearance since Xmas a discreet one, as though she was keen to avoid upstaging the king on his birthday celebrations.”
Speaking to The Sun, James added: “Kate’s hat brim was tilted to partially hide her face in the carriage but there were some turning to smile and some smiling conversations with her three children. Her wave to the crowd involved closed rather than spread fingers, and it was a quick, subtle movement of acknowledgment, again suggesting a desire to avoid stealing the attention on the celebration of the king’s birthday.”
King Charles and Kate’s former aide says the royals were ‘united’ again
Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler from 2004 to 2011. During his time working for the monarch, his duties included that of housekeeper, driver, valet, and house manager. He also looked after Prince William and Kate whenever they stayed at Highgrove House.
Harrold said that the princess’s appearance for the first time since Christmas meant so much to the British public and it was great to see the royals all together and “united.”
Speaking on behalf of Spin Genie about seeing Kate attend Trooping the Colour with William and their children, Harrold commented: “It’s clear that Kate wanted to be there for her family and her husband, and it’s great that she is well enough to do that. With both the king and Kate absent the past few months it’s great to show they are united and a family. I think things are on track. It’s difficult to know but this is the first time we have seen the family united for a long time so hopefully it’s a sign of things to come.”
The former royal butler added that he believes where the royals stood on the balcony was significant explaining: “The king and Kate united with each other and going through similar battles, so I would say this is down to the king’s preference. The balcony is all orchestrated, but I have a feeling the king said to Kate, ‘You stand next to me.’”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.
